Matthew 13 7

Matthew 13:7 kjv

And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them:

Matthew 13:7 nkjv

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.

Matthew 13:7 niv

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants.

Matthew 13:7 esv

Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.

Matthew 13:7 nlt

Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants.

Matthew 13 verses

Matthew 13 7 Meaning

Matthew 13:7 describes the third type of soil in the Parable of the Sower, where some seeds fall among thorns. This seed initially sprouts, but the pre-existing, vigorous growth of the thorns ultimately chokes out the young plant. In spiritual terms, as explained later by Jesus, this represents individuals who receive the word of God, but their spiritual growth is suffocated by worldly concerns, the allure of wealth, and the fleeting pleasures of life, preventing them from bearing fruit for the Kingdom.

Matthew 13 7 Context

Matthew chapter 13 focuses heavily on Jesus teaching in parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. Verse 7 is part of the foundational Parable of the Sower (Mt 13:3-9), which immediately follows a section where Jesus faced opposition and misunderstood his true nature (Mt 12). This parable sets the stage for understanding different responses to the word of God. The setting is Galilean, often by the Sea of Galilee, a largely agricultural region where farming metaphors would be easily understood by the audience. Farmers regularly faced the challenge of thorny ground that could re-emerge quickly and stifle crops, reflecting the practical reality of maintaining productive land. There are no direct polemics here, but it subtly highlights the spiritual dangers present even among those who initially seem receptive to the truth, contrasting the true spiritual growth of the Kingdom with the superficiality of merely hearing.

Matthew 13 7 Word analysis

• And some (Καὶ ἕτερα - Kai hetera): "And other." This introduces a distinct group of seeds, setting it apart from the previously mentioned seeds (on the path and rocky ground). It indicates a third category of reception.
• fell (ἔπεσεν - epten): Literally "it fell." Denotes placement or landing. It doesn't imply an active planting but a passive reception of the word, similar to the other soils.
• among (ἐπὶ - epi) thorns (τὰς ἀκάνθας - tas akanthas): "upon the thorns" or "in the midst of the thorns." Akanthas refers to thorny plants, briars, or thistles. Symbolically, in the Bible, thorns often represent the curse (Gen 3:18) or unfruitful, harmful growth. The preposition epi here can imply either landing on top of them or within an area where they are present, suggesting the thorns were already there and grew alongside the seed, rather than appearing later. This is crucial: the issue is the pre-existing environment.
• and the thorns (αἱ ἄκανθαι - hai akanthai): Reinforces the presence and nature of the thorny plants.
• sprung up (ἀναβᾶσαι - anabasai): "having come up" or "having grown up." This is an aorist participle, indicating that the thorns, having grown up, performed the subsequent action of choking. It emphasizes the active, vigorous growth of the thorns. They do not just hinder but aggressively grow taller and denser.
• and choked (ἀπέπνιξαν - apepnixan): A strong word meaning "to choke off," "to suffocate completely," "to drown." It implies total suppression, cutting off light, water, and nutrients. The process leads to death, rendering the young plant completely unproductive.
• them (αὐτά - auta): Refers to the "plants" or "sprouts" that developed from the seeds. The potential for life and fruitfulness is completely destroyed.

Words-group analysis

• "fell among thorns": This phrase highlights that the problem wasn't the seed itself or the initial germination. The seed received some light and water. The issue was the inherent condition of the ground—it was not properly cleared. Spiritually, this points to a heart that, despite hearing the Word, retains competing allegiances and spiritual obstacles.
• "the thorns sprung up, and choked them": This describes the dynamic and destructive interaction. The thorns symbolize the world's influence, anxieties, riches, and pleasures. They grow rapidly and assertively, literally strangling the spiritual life. This isn't merely hindering growth, but an act of complete suppression leading to death or total unfruitfulness. The seed fails, not due to lack of potential, but due to overpowering external, yet present from the start, internal, influences.

Matthew 13 7 Bonus section

The image of thorns is potent:

• Gen 3:18: Thorns are a direct consequence of the curse on creation after the Fall, signifying futility, hardship, and unproductive toil. Their presence in the parable reinforces the fallen state of humanity and the struggle against sin's influence.
• Preparation: The parable underscores the importance of a prepared heart, much like a farmer prepares his field. It's not enough to scatter seed; the ground must be made conducive for growth. Spiritual preparation involves removing idols, worldly affections, and self-reliance that prevent the Word from taking deep root and yielding fruit.
• Slow Erosion: The choking process described is often gradual. The thorns don't instantly destroy the plant but slowly consume its vitality. This warns against complacency and allows the subtle encroachment of worldly values to erode one's faith and commitment over time, highlighting the need for continuous vigilance.
• Distraction and Divided Loyalty: The "thorns" are essentially distractions that prevent single-minded devotion to Christ. They highlight a divided heart, where worldly ambitions, worries, or pleasures are allowed to overshadow the spiritual pursuit of God's Kingdom.

Matthew 13 7 Commentary

Matthew 13:7 is a critical warning about the subtle dangers that prevent spiritual fruitfulness, even after a genuine initial reception of the Word. Unlike the hardened path (no understanding) or rocky ground (no deep root), the thorny ground allows the seed to germinate and begin growing, symbolizing a superficial or temporary embrace of the gospel. However, the existing "thorns"—identified by Jesus as the "cares of the world," the "deceitfulness of riches," and "the pleasures of life" (Mt 13:22, Mk 4:19, Lk 8:14)—prove to be a greater competitor than the good seed. These thorns are often insidious; they don't immediately obvious, but as they grow, they compete for nutrients, light, and space, ultimately suffocating the spiritual life. The tragedy is the failure to produce fruit (a transformed life, righteous actions, spreading the gospel), leading to spiritual barrenness. It's a call to examine one's priorities and vigorously root out anything that might compete with allegiance to Christ and the Kingdom. This speaks to the need for perseverance, daily commitment, and continuous weeding of the heart to allow the Word to flourish.